Which radiation will be stopped by a 1-cm-thick layer of steel?
Alpha radiation
Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation
Beta Radiation
Both alpha and beta radiation
Thanks!
both alpha and beta.
To determine which type of radiation will be stopped by a 1-cm-thick layer of steel, we need to understand the properties of each type of radiation.
1. Alpha radiation: Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons and are positively charged. These particles have a high ionizing ability but a limited penetrating power. They are largely stopped by a few centimeters of air or a sheet of paper.
2. Beta radiation: Beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons emitted during nuclear decay. They have a lower ionizing ability than alpha particles but can penetrate further through materials. They can be stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum or a few centimeters of plastic.
3. Gamma radiation: Gamma rays are high-energy photons emitted during nuclear processes. They have very high penetrating power and are difficult to stop completely. Gamma rays require thicker and denser shielding materials like lead or concrete. Steel, although dense, is generally not very effective in stopping gamma radiation.
Based on this information, the radiation that would be stopped by a 1-cm-thick layer of steel is:
Beta radiation.
Alpha particles have a higher ionizing ability than betas and require thicker shielding. Gamma rays have even higher penetrating power and typically require denser materials for shielding. Steel, while a durable and dense material, is not considered an effective shield for gamma radiation.